The stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman is set to premiere its world debut at the Bristol Hippodrome, England, in the spring of 2026. This exciting announcement adds to the beloved film's legacy, which has captivated audiences worldwide since its release. The musical, inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, aims to celebrate the birth of show business and the realization of dreams.
Disney Theatrical Group confirmed today the highly anticipated production will feature songs by EGOT winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, renowned for their work on La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. The hit songs from the film will include "The Greatest Show," "A Million Dreams," "Come Alive," "Rewrite the Stars," as well as the Golden Globe-winning anthem "This Is Me." Adding to the excitement, Pasek and Paul will introduce brand-new songs composed especially for the stage adaptation.
The show's talented direction and choreography will be led by the acclaimed Casey Nicholaw, who has won two Tony Awards for his innovative contributions to musical theatre with hits like The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, and the upcoming Disney’s Hercules.
"We are continuously surprised and moved by how much the songs from The Greatest Showman seem to have resounded around the world, and to now have the opportunity to bring them to the stage is truly thrilling," Pasek and Paul expressed. Their enthusiasm reflects the cultural impact of the film, which grossed $459 million worldwide on an $84 million budget, marking it as the fifth-highest-grossing live-action musical film of all time.
The upcoming show seeks to capture the joyful energy and themes of self-discovery, community, and familial connections portrayed so beautifully within the film. Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Group echoed this sentiment, stating, "It has been decades since an original film musical has been so passionately and broadly embraced as The Greatest Showman. We’re excited to bring it to the stage as a purely theatrical piece and the natural next chapter in its extraordinary life."
Auditions for the musical will occur across the UK and Ireland throughout March and April 2025. This extensive casting search will span major cities, including Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Exeter, Newcastle, and London, as producers seek talented performers to embody the show’s beloved characters.
The book for the stage adaptation is penned by Emmy nominee Tim Federle, known for his work on Tuck Everlasting and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The combination of such high-caliber talent promises to take the well-loved story of P.T. Barnum and his circus to new heights.
While original film stars Hugh Jackman and Zendaya will not reprise their roles, the anticipation surrounding this new production remains palpable among fans of the film and musical theatre enthusiasts. Nicholaw’s direction is expected to combine joyous entertainment with heartfelt storytelling, ensuring the message of hope and inspiration resonates with both new viewers and longtime fans alike.
The original film, directed by Michael Gracey, featured performances from Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson and has become synonymous with uplifting Broadway-style music. After gaining initial mixed reviews and underwhelming box office returns, The Greatest Showman rapidly gained acclaim, especially for its soundtrack, which rivals legendary albums like the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band for chart longevity.
Over the years, the movie's success has allowed it to become not just a cinematic sensation but also a cultural phenomenon, with its songs being performed at sing-alongs across the world. News of the stage adaptation was first announced at D23, the Walt Disney Company’s biennial fan convention, emphasizing Disney’s commitment to producing impactful theatrical experiences.
The Bristol Hippodrome, known for its prestigious history of hosting major productions, will be the fitting venue for the show’s debut. Following its world premiere, there are discussions for the production to transfer to London’s West End and eventually Broadway.
Currently, there are no details about the complete casting lineup for this theatrical project; this anticipation adds another layer to the excitement surrounding the forthcoming adaptation. Future announcements will provide more insight on the cast and the complete creative team involved.
Fans eager to stay informed on this monumental production can sign up for updates through the official The Greatest Showman website. With the musical scheduled for 2026, the stage is set for new generations to experience the awe-inspiring story of P.T. Barnum and the magic of the circus.